I raised my hand and started pressing a few keys on the piano. Music turns me on. I love it. I hum as my hands sway freely across the keys. Music has truly shaped who I am today. As much as I hate science and magior, that's how much I love music.
My dream is to leave this school and transfer to Mellowdale School of Music.
Music is everything. It clears your mind and heart. The peace that flows through the room as the notes dance from these keys—it's like magic.
"Escaping chemistry class again, Ms. Quinlan, huh?"
I jumped, startled by the voice behind me. It was Miro—my classmate from music class. I turned to look at him, smiling. He's really something. He has these brown eyes that shine especially clearly when hit by sunlight.
"Not escaping. I ditched," I said with a smirk.
"Tsk. You slept through math class, ditched chemistry, and didn't bring the materials for magior class. How exactly do you plan on passing?"
"You worry too much, Miro. Are you concerned?" I asked confidently.
"Yeah," he said simply.
I didn't expect that. He chuckled, and I quickly changed the subject.
"Well, what about you? You're supposed to be in class too, and yet here you are."
"I'm exempt from the test. And I figured, instead of standing around, I'd rather be here."
I nodded in response.
"Do you… uh, really have no plans to follow in your parents' footsteps? There are spells you can learn even if you weren't born with natural magior, you know."
"Honestly, I used to think about it... but things don't always go the way we plan," I said, chuckling softly.
"Too bad. Me—and everyone else—were hoping you'd follow in their footsteps."
I smiled but didn't say anything. The school bell rung, it's recess time I bowed my head slightly as a sign of respect, grabbed my bag, and left.
Don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't care about my parents. It's just... what's the point? I barely have any memories of them. They died before I was old enough to even memorize their faces. That's also why I don't want to follow their path. I never got to know them or spend time with them. Their schedules were too full—even when they were alive.
Sorry, Mother—Father. Your little pie chose a different path.
I found myself in the cafeteria and immediately looked for Jad and the others. Aside from them, I have no real friends at this school. Maybe because I'm different. I don't like science, I'm terrible at math, and I have no talent in magior. So why am I still here? One reason: my parents. The school let me stay—failing grades and all—as a gesture of respect for their "heroism."
"We didn't wait for you, but we brought you food. There—your favorite pasta," Micah said, pointing at the container beside her as I sat next to her.
"Thanks, Mics. Sorry, I lost track of time."
"Our teacher asked us to find you—she wants to talk," Jad said, looking at me with a mischievous grin. "And while we were searching, we did find you… with Miro."
"So? We're classmates in multiple subjects, remember?"
"Well, it must've been fun talking to your crush since seventh grade."
I gave her a little smack, and they all just laughed.
"Ha ha. Funny, Jad." I rolled my eyes and started eating. Thankfully, they stopped teasing me soon after.
It's true, though. I like Miro. But it's just a crush—an infatuation. I'm waiting for it to pass. I know it'll fade eventually. Besides, there's a rumor that he's dating someone right now. I will force myself if it's true he's dating someone I'll respect them.
"but isn't Miro dating someone?" Reina casually said.
"I don't know, but if it is then good for them, I'll just move-on" I answered her in casual.
We were eating peacefully until Harmony caught our attention.
"Oh my gosh! Mary?" she suddenly blurted out.
"What?" Jad asked curiously.
"The audition for the sci-magior play..."
"Hmph. Why are you telling me? You know that—"
"Did you sign up? Your name is on the final list."
She showed me her phone. She wasn't lying.
"What the heck?! I didn't even know there was an audition."
"I think it was Dad," Jad said, looking guilty. "He asked me about the play once, and I said no. Maybe he put your name instead of mine."
"And you're just telling me this now?!"
"I didn't know, okay? It's just—"
"Whatever. I'm not going anyway."
"But this could actually be a good thing for you, Mary—if you win," Harmony added.
"In what way, huh? I'll just embarrass myself. I'm not going. I don't care what Uncle Gregory says—I'm not going."
"Don't you want to know the prize?"
Of course I didn't... or at least, I thought I didn't. But something about her voice sparked my curiosity.
I looked at her briefly.
"The prize is a fully paid apartment and a full scholarship to any academy in our like by the time we graduate even Mellowdale Academy."
I froze.
This... this was my chance.
"Mary, isn't that your dream school?" Micah exclaimed.
"Cousin, this is your shot!"
"But Jad, you know I—"
"You've got time to practice. It's not that hard, Mary."
"True. We'll help. You can't leave this school because of the contract, but with this, you have a way out," Harmony added.
She was right. Even if I saved enough money, I still couldn't leave this school unless I graduated. I couldn't drop out. I couldn't even get expelled.
I looked at them. They all had the same hopeful expression.
Take a risk or lose the chance?
I bit my lower lip. And take out a deep breath.
"I'll do it."